Mauricio Pochettino will be hopeful of welcoming back a number of players before he faces Everton on Monday evening.
The Blues will host Sean Dyche’s side after a 2-2 draw at Sheffield United. Thiago Silva scored the opening goal before Jayden Bogle equalized.
Noni Madueke thought he had secured all three points for his team, but Olie McBurnie managed to rescue a point deep into stoppage time. Cole Palmer had to be taken off the field after taking some heavy hits from powerful tackles.
Because he has played a lot of football in recent weeks, he is in danger of burning out. Malo Gusto also missed the match after two weeks of battling fitness and illness. Pochettino will be keen to bring them both back for the visit of Everton.
That being said, football.london has the latest news from Chelsea’s treatment room:
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer was withdrawn from the second half of the Blues’ game against Sheffield United this weekend. Not long before, he was on the receiving end of a bad tackle.
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Injury: Fatigue.
What Pochettino said: “No, no, no. I think he was tired. I felt like he was tired. 2-1 for us, Carney is another number 10 who can play there and do his job. Yes, I think we are happy with him.” .
“We have to protect him. He took a blow against Manchester United and was a bit more tired than usual, but we wanted to protect him after he scored the second goal. We tried to avoid a problem in the future.”
Possible return date: Everton (H) – April 15.
Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto was rested for the match against Sheffield United. He is expected to make his return against Everton on Monday.
Injury: Disease.
What Pochettino said: “Malo needs to rest. He was sick before he played two games, so he needs to rest.”
Possible return date: Everton (H) – April 15.
Ben Chillwell
Ben Chilwell was absent from the matchday squads that faced Manchester United and Sheffield United. He suffered a knock during the international break before falling ill shortly before returning from the treatment room.
Injury: Disease.
What Pochettino said: ‘He’s still not training, Chilly. We’ll see tomorrow [Friday] if he’s involved. We certainly hope he can be there for the next game.”
Possible return date: Everton (H) – April 15.
Christopher Nkunku
Injury: Hamstring.
Nkunku has struggled with injuries for most of the season and is currently out with a hamstring problem. He hasn’t played for over two months.
What Pochettino said: “Don’t know [how far away he is]. We still don’t know [if he will play again this season]. Return to training? I don’t know what I said. At the moment we do not yet know when it will be possible to start training with the team. He is currently not training with us.
“That setback did not happen. I have no information about that. He is recovering and it took longer than we expected. That was after the final, he played 30 or 40 minutes. We did not know the problem and we have found it after the match.
“These kinds of circumstances affect many things, too many players have suffered this season. I hope he can be involved again in the team dynamics as soon as possible and of course, if he would have to be really good for that.” At the end of the season I hope he can be part of the team.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Levi Colwill
Injury: Toe.
Levi Colwill has been suffering from a toe problem lately. The defender is not yet back in training after missing the last four games.
What Pochettino said: ‘We only found out after the [Brentford] game. We ended up with two players who couldn’t train at the time. Levi’s problem is his toe.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Romeo Lavia
Injury: Thigh.
Chelsea have confirmed that Romeo Lavia will not play again this season. The midfielder has made just one appearance (a half-hour cameo from the bench against Crystal Palace in December) since joining from Southampton in the summer.
“Midfielder Romeo Lavia will unfortunately miss the remainder of our 2023/24 season following a setback in his recovery,” an official statement from the club said. “Recent medical examinations have confirmed that Lavia, who suffered a significant thigh injury against Crystal Palace in December, will not feature again this season.”
Lavia confirmed his setback via Instagram. He wrote: “Hi Chelsea family. As you may know, despite my countless efforts, I will miss the rest of the season. This has been a frustrating season for me as I have not been able to help my teammates.”
“More than anything I love this team, this emblem and the fact that I am on the pitch. Trust that I gave everything every day to come back. Thank you for the love, support and criticism, because they have all have a positive influence on me and keep me going. Can’t wait to give it back and share many special moments together [blue heart emoji] See you soon.”
Possible return date: Next season.
Ree James
Reece James has recently started his rehabilitation after hamstring surgery at the end of last year. He is working to get back to fitness, but the club will not be bringing him back into action anytime soon due to the nature of his injury.
Injury: Hamstring.
What Pochettino said: “We were talking and he has started his recovery, one day closer to the group. This is really positive and we are all positive around him, we are going to help.
“It is difficult for a player who has had a very complicated and difficult season for him. Now the process is to start recovering and it will take one day less for him to be part of the group. The most important thing is to solve the problem unload and help him.” Be strong.”
Possible return date: April.
Lesley Ugochukwu
Injury: Hamstring.
Lesley Ugochukwu has been out of action for a while now. The midfielder’s last appearance came in December and he has not been seen since without further updates.
Possible return date: Next season.
Wesley Fofana
Injury: Knee.
Wesley Fofana is back on the grass at Cobham, but it appears he will be a long way from returning from his cruciate ligament rupture. He is not expected to play this season.
What Pochettino said: “Unfortunately, I find it difficult to see Wes play this season, but you never know.”
Possible return date: Next season.